IQ, or intelligence quotient, is often mistaken as an objective measure of intelligence. People use IQ, even as a joke, to suggest that they or others are “smart” or “dumb.” But what does IQ actually stand for?

An IQ test measures a person’s cognitive ability: for example, the ability to learn languages, solve problems, do math, and be successful at many other skills. Rather than testing general knowledge, it tests intelligence and potential intelligence and compares it to the scores of others. Scores are determined by putting the tester’s results against the average score of 100. Two-thirds of all scores fall between 15 points of the average. A high IQ score would be anything over 115 and a really high IQ score would be 130 and above. On the other hand, an IQ score under 85 would be considered low.

IQ can be used to determine people’s potential success and their ability to have a job. A study from 2007 revealed that there is a correlation between IQ and income. Every point increase in IQ score resulted in $202-616 more in income each year. However, this doesn’t mean that people with higher IQs don’t feel financial stress. On the other hand, people with lower IQs have shown to have a worse job performance than someone who has a higher IQ.

In a 2009 article, psychologist Keith Stanovich talks about how IQ tests are good indicators of academic skill, but they don’t fully grasp human intelligence. Jonathan Evans, a cognitive psychologist at the University of Plymouth, UK, added to Stanovich’s point by highlighting how IQ is only one part of human intelligence. So, while IQ tests measure a person’s academic abilities, they fail to measure a human’s overall intelligence. Therefore, IQ should be viewed as a part of human intelligence alongside other factors.

IQ or intelligence quotient is important in assessing a person’s ability to problem solve and be a good worker. It can be helpful with work and problem-solving. However, IQ measures a fraction of intelligence. There are many other factors that go into determining a person’s intelligence: including EQ, emotional quotient, and being street smart. IQ should not be the determining factor on whether someone is “smart” or “stupid.”

EQ is less commonly known but still holds the same importance as IQ. EQ stands for emotional quotient and encompasses all aspects of emotional management. Similarly, the higher one’s EQ is, the better they are at skills such as self-management, self-awareness, social skills, and relationship management. With the wide range of skills you can improve, EQ is an important part of life that is often overlooked. The increase of awareness of EQ can help decrease tensions between our society and increase productivity.

A high EQ often means one is easy to be around, and are able to shift your behavior in response to the environment. Both EQ and IQ have been shown to be hereditary and correlating to gender, a higher EQ being more prevalent in ethnic groups and geographical populations. Untapped AI, a software that compiles data, found that out of all ethnic groups, people who identified as Black British had 3% higher EQ than the average white counterpart. People who identified as women scored 8%-10% higher than people who identified as men.

EQ also encompasses interactions between close family or friends. Someone with a high EQ will probably seek to understand their wrongs, and the others rights without completely ignoring the truth. Language is also accompanied by facial expressions and tone of voice. Learning to train those can greatly increase efficiency of relationships and overall contentment.

A low EQ does not mean you are going to be left out of society. Unlike IQ which can barely be increased after birth, EQ can be trained and increased through practice. A Harvard study said, “While some people will be naturally more adept at certain aspects, [EQ] can be learned, developed and enhanced.” Scenarios that include difficult person to person interactions such as conflict or disagreement of interests can lead to growth in EQ.

Learning to increase EQ or the use of it is important. Sometimes, in work spaces and crowded areas, being socially or emotionally intelligent rather than logical is more helpful. Being able to communicate effectively and to understand the needs of others is what is necessary to maintain calm and open in conversations and interactions.